Super Cheap Reliable Car No One Talks About - Most Reliable Domestic Engine

[@markmalinowski5951]

The last version of an engine is always the best. On a Series II the intake gaskets will ALWAYS go bad around 120k, but it's not a hard job to DIY and if you catch it right away you'll have a motor that will run for 300k easily. I had a Grand Prix that ran great for 12 years, not having a car payment allowed me to buy other stuff... like a house!

[@uo2230]

And the house is worth WAY MORE than another car you would have had to buy. Good choice.

[@misterbuklau4053]

Ive got a series ii 3.4l v6 in my 94 firebird

[@sezwo5774]

If you have to hope to catch failing gaskets at 120k, then repair the stuff yourself and drive an old GM piece of junk you have clearly sometime in your life misplaced your priorities, badly. Who cares how much they've artificially inflated the value of your house. On the bright side, you could have been homeless, isn't America great?

[@misterbuklau4053]

Yeah just swap out the dexcool for green coolant but I think the head or intake gasket was only on the later model series ii's, because gm switched to the dexcool which was corrosive to the gaskets if you fix that they're really reliable motors

[@sezwo5774]

@@misterbuklau4053 Yes they are reliable engines but the overall product is poor. Should this video have been produced is my question. Buying a good engine in an otherwise questionable product is not the best advice. Some may find the proposition worthy. If you have the skills and the time and can tolerate risk, ...and most of all are a maintenance fanatic go for it. For the average person I'd say stay away, get a Toyota or Honda and forget the GM with a nearly bulletproof 3.8 engine, alocate your time and efforts to more worthy causes than car repairs. Times are not very forgiving; why hinder yourself with a GM product.

[@Locruid]

My wife had a 1998 Grand Prix GT and I had a 1998 Grand Prix GTP. We LOVED those cars. Sunroofs, HUD, Dual Climate control.....on one trip from Spokane to Eugene, my wife's GT clocked in at 36.8 mpg on Regular Unleaded. REALLY miss those cars, might buy another one soon

[@User-qazws]

How refreshing it is to have a knowledgeable expert break it down specifically to identify some underappreciated good buys. And no arm waiving or shouting! Well done!!

[@banesik5444]

“...no arm waving or shouting “?

[@franknabozny6062]

@@banesik5444 he was referring to youtube mechanic Scotty Kilmer!

[@eddie2000ad]

Bought a 2009 lacrosse with the 3rd gen 3800, great reliable engine, you guys will never go wrong with any car with a 3800 in it

[@seanhall8686]

I used to have a 1997 Buick LeSabre with the Series II engine. I actually managed 33 mpg on a trip from North Carolina to New York, going 65-70 most of the way. Still the best car I have ever owned, and I regret trading it in.

[@boat6868]

You are spot on about the issues with the second generation of this engine. My dad had the intake manifold problem on a 98 Park Avenue and the independent mechanic he took it to misdiagnosed it, which sucks because it was a really nice car and ran well otherwise.

[@ceetwyce335]

I totally agree with this video. You're the third reliable KZbin mechanic that has said this about this particular motor. (The Car Wizard and Scotty Kilmer both have done vids about this same motor and its reliability.) I used to rent these cars out when I worked for a car rental company and the highway mileage is spectacular for it being a V6.

[@davidcoupal8083]

You hit the nail on the head I drove a 2006 for 12 years The only problem I had was the water pump my mechanic replaced for 350 dollars It was a great smooth running car until 2019 when I hit a big deer car was totalled. Great pick for a car

[@matinman24]

I’m still driving one. Supercharged

[@krayzietj]

Wow the mechanic over charged you its plenty of room to get to the water pump its a piece of cake my mechanic is charging 100 for the waterpump

[@emo65170.]

These engines are super smooth too. It's a shame GM discontinued them.

[@edhingeley6933]

I have one in my aussie holden. 20 years old and never had an engine issue. Still a smooth reliable engine.

[@jesuschristislord77733]

RIP Holden

[@Allister2000]

One reason why I like you. You don't shy away from the unpopular opinion. I had a 1995 Bonneville with 3800 series 1 engine. Lasted 400k km and could have been more but I get rid of the car for other reasons. One being a rusted through subframe... harsh Canadian winters.

[@msaintjo]

I just purchased a 2005 Grand Prix today on your recommendation. Got a great deal. Only 144k miles (less than 10k per year) Leather seats, sunroof, alloy rims and a decent stereo. Everything is mechanically sound as well. $3500 out the door. Tax title and licensing. Thank you so much for all the info. I just recently found your channel and you have a vast knowledge of cars and the car business. Wish me luck!

[@Davido50]

High mileage type "full synthetic" 5w30 motor oil ONLY & GM Delco filters only. U will see 300k mis as i do on all my Ford trucks!

[@msaintjo]

@@Davido50 Thanks for the tip!

[@Davido50]

@@msaintjo no prob. It will work well 4ya.

[@neilparmar5705]

If I can get a deal on this Grand Prix, I've gotta get one.

[@cportmikesautomotiverepair1355]

I have the same car it feels like a v8 if you punch it i never lost a race yet good job gm😊

[@johnnorvaisas]

The 3.8 is probably the most reliable GM engine in the last 30 years

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

I've owned several 3800s, and several LS V8s, along with a few '90s LT1 V8s, and Vortec Big blocks like 7.4 and 8.1, and a Duramax Diesel... If you care to include those legendary GM V8s, I'd agree with you! Even though the 4.3V6 was a dog power wise, it was also bulletproof. GM had a lot of great engines that would easily go a half-million miles when maintained.

[@StyxYRenegade]

Actually, I learned how reliable the 3800 series engines were from Scotty Kilmer. He calls them the most reliable American engine

[@markm0000]

I strongly recommend not listening to Scotty. He’s got serious problems.

[@StyxYRenegade]

Mark M I usually double check his claims to see if they’re true or not. He does have some merit. I don’t think he purposely tries to mislead people. He seems to mean well.

[@AmandaHugenkiss2915]

The 3800 is a great engine

[@StyxYRenegade]

Robert Bell I realize. I wanted to get myself a car with a 3800 with a manual transmission.

[@neilparmar5705]

@@markm0000 agreed. He's not 100% right, nobody is.

[@majorcalvary6515]

I absolutely agree. My favorite is a Buick LeSabre with the same engine. I like old fashion shifter on steering wheel column. Yes, they maybe grandpa’s car, but are great American Cars.

[@Zer0ith]

I own an 06 Grand Prix with nearly 300,000km. What you have said in this video is 100% truthful. Other than some body rust (yeah rust belt) and creaks from being a 14 year old car, she still drives like a dream. The car has been rock solid since day one with the only money spent was on consumable parts (brakes, tires, etc). I will also mention you forgot about the Pontiac Bonaville and Oldsmobile LSS (mid to late 90s) which also had the series 2 3.8L. I still miss my 96 Olds LSS that was one comfy ass car!

[@StephenJohnson-jb7xe]

They used a modified version of the 3800 v6 in the Commodore here in Australia and those cars and engines are bullet proof.

[@markwilson6828]

Our 3.8s in Oz drive the rear wheels or all wheels in a few variants, wagons, coupes and utes

[@markwilson6828]

2004 was the last ,replaced by 3.6!!!!

[@johnrickard8512]

I have this engine in a 2006 Buick Lacrosse and after my dad and I remedied the car's pre-existing conditions it has run like a champ and shows no signs of stopping. The fact that I consider it worthy in a fleet of vehicles consisting entirely of Toyotas otherwise should show how highly I regard it and I have a habit of recommending old Buicks to people when Toyotas aren't available.

[@johnrickard8512]

Buyer beware though - these Buicks can also come with the god-awful 3.6l V6 in the CXS trim. DO NOT GET THIS TRIM! Literally the only difference between that trim and the CXL trim is the engine - the CXL comes with the 3.8, and is personally one of the best cars on the road IMO.

[@debbieaustinendecott2069]

3800 Best Engine Ever!!! My niece drove her Grand Prix up until almost 400,000. I had 6 Buick’s with this engine all excellent cars. The last one was 2004 Park Avenue Supercharged. Sticker was over 48K new. Had all the bells and whistles available then. The problem with that one Super Charger went out. I would stay clear of Supercharged 3800. Plain 3800 excellent. All the LaSabres, Regals still running. One Regal I gave away the guy has not had one repair in past 3 years...2001Regal. Still see many of that year on the road.

[@chrisrobinson8610]

I had a 96 Ford Windstar that I drove for over 300,000 miles. It had their version of a 3.8, which is thought to be a copy of the Buick 3800. Aside from some sensor issues and pneumatic actuator failures, I found it to be bullet proof for reliability. Ford used some cheap gaskets that I replaced as needed, but the design was a homerun. It never gets mentioned as anything other than junk.

[@sergeantbigmac]

Hey my Parents had (well, still have actually!) a 96 Ford Windstar! I actually learned to drive on that thing. One of my earliest memories as a small child was going to the dealership with my parents in 99 or 2000 and them asking me how I liked the back bench seat... So much has been hauled in that thing over the years. My Dad never got a pickup because he was able to do so much with the thing as a practical do all. He actually uses it as a hunting rig of all things now LMAO. Sure it handles and steers like shit (seriously why is its turning radius so massive? Did I mention I learned to drive and parallel park in it?) but I still have a fondness for it. I didnt realize it had Fords equivalent of the GM 3.8 which is cool. There have been a lot of little weird things gone wrong with it. Window motor replacements, airbag suspension my dad had put in it constantly failing, electrical gremlins, exhaust leak, etc. And of course the notorious head gasket failure. I remember my Mom was pissed when my dad plunked the cash to have it repaired and the cost was more than the thing was worth lol. And I know my parents well enough to know they dont always keep up with regular maintenance. All that and it still turns over and drives after sitting for ages. I kinda hope they hang onto it. Youre right no one talks about the Windstar and when they do its never in a positive light.

[@mikeflege5733]

The Ford 3.8 litre actually had a big recall for the head gaskets, and actually had to buy some vehicles back

[@richardb4787]

My experience is that, when you find something good, it's expensive and when it's cheap, it's crap. So, when you find something good and cheap, stock up on it. In a consumer society, products that favor the consumer (as opposed to generate income) get pulled off the market.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

Amen!

[@electronpusher604]

Why don't I start a company to compete?

[@YEET-yh6qc]

Planned obsolescence my friend leave it the American economists of the great depression. Sending our limited resources straight into a toilet.

[@prioris55555]

@@YEET-yh6qc Yep. I still drive my 1999 saturn sl. still runs good. still hope to get 2-3 more years out of it. they probably won't make parts for it much longer. they realized their mistake and made later models that were less reliable

[@YEET-yh6qc]

@@prioris55555 my plymouth neon has been a treat its been 19 years and the water pump and gas pump went out, i also changed the timing belt and it was all factory.

[@jamesshenay3426]

My wife still drives her 2008 Grand Prix that she bought New. Car is rock solid. Just turned 100,000 miles. Keep them maintained and don't beat the snot out of them and they'll last well into 200,000miles.

[@Evan_Floyd]

I saw the car wizard's video on these engines. Man the Buick 3800 is amazing.

[@chrisgonzalez1597]

I bought 2005 LaCrosse brand new. 195,000 miles, it just keeps going....

[@tdogboy7254]

You sir are indeed, correct

[@sirsweetness8332]

mike brink Entire car would be engine.

[@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176]

Like the Wizard said the parts are cheap compared to other makes. I don't know where you could get a factory mass air flow sensor (Hitachi) for less than $70. Most MAF's are several hundred dollars.

[@hudefuk]

Add the fact that statistically Pontiac drivers have a high percentage of wanna-be hot-rodders, the mellow Buick driving style and maintenance mentality would make them a safer used buy.

[@Fedproman]

Not that it matters, but I actually saw Scotty speaking very highly of this engine. I had one of these in a Bonneville. I was very happy with it.

[@johnsee7269]

I had a Buick LeSabre with that engine. They run forever and have good power. You are dead on! My HHR with 2.4 4 cylinder has 184,000 miles and the oil doesn't get dirty between changes still. You are dead on!

[@danielsimpson8929]

Oil doesn't get dirty between changes lol

[@ShredworthyDave]

I have a 95 camaro with a 3800 series 2 and it's the best car I've ever owned. I've only had to fix cosmetic stuff on it. Just give her an oil change and regular maintenance and they will last forever

[@GixxerRider1991]

Just over a year ago I found a garage queen example that I bought from the dealer where I was working at the time for $6,700 with only 48,000 miles on it and hardly a speck of rust to be found. I'm now sitting at just over 60,000 and couldn't be happier. This car has good power and has been nothing but reliable so far. When I worked at that same GM dealer I'd see these come in regularly with over 250,000 miles still running strong. From what I've heard the transmissions mostly get a bad rap because of the supercharged and V8 versions that just had too much power for them to handle. The N/A versions are the ones that last the longest. Great video on these hidden gems. You can't ask for a better daily driver.

[@montezking5604]

All you need is synthetic fluid for the transe it will go long as the engine,they both will go so long you'll just need some lanolin undercoating or the body would rust away before the motor or trans go.

[@Erik-rc7iy]

Missed your videos man, good to have you back!

[@vbvini]

the rest of the car will fall apart, but the motor will run. lol

[@ferndog1461]

Honda models of the last twenty years are the same. The body falls apart, electronics get fussy, cheaper oem AC components develop a leak. However, the engine is dependable, with just decent maintenance.

[@KyprosEc]

@@ferndog1461 oh really now? The rest of the car doesn't fall apart if you maintain it properly. Rubbish.

[@sugarkang]

@@ferndog1461 lol it's not a Chevy.

[@CSVR1]

@@sugarkang you kidding ? It's litteraly a GM product

[@rmwarriors16]

ferndog1461 the engines with the VCM are junk.

[@Tom-ll1fg]

I own a 2008, very easy to work on and bulletproof. Love it! Best daily driver I’ve had.

[@guitfiddle]

I absolutely agree. Just look on the road: still a bunch of them driving around. Lots of Buicks with that engine still driving around...

[@chefmike9945]

You forgot to mention the Pontiac Bonneville, another reliable Grandpamobile.

[@ZinfandelRed1914]

Good call, the last model looked decent but most of those Bonnevilles were uglier than Hillary. Very nice interiors though.

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

@@ZinfandelRed1914 😂😂😂😂😂

[@stylinstu]

The Booneville SSE was a very sporty car and leather seats too!

[@kevinruger8819]

The 7th Generation Buick Lesabre is my Favorite

[@namasteorange79]

Oldsmobile Intrigue had the 3.8 series 2 as well.

[@WJHandyDad]

we had a 2000 supercharged Grand Prix - it was a lot of fun and I don't remember having any issues but we only kept it for 2 years before trading

[@ZippoVarga]

Honorable mention should go to the GM 4.3 V6 as well. They just keep going. I've had numerous 4.3's and in one case, I had a 350,000+ mile 4.3 that only had regular maintenance through out its life. Very dependable, much like the 3.8. Cheers! Zip~

[@Nudnik1]

True I have over 260k on vans . 400k on truck. Cheap to fix simple tech. GM ruled then.

[@F.U.andS.T.F.U]

@@Nudnik1 spider injectors suck though.

[@brasolt04]

Yeah i have tbi version in my 92 jimmy good old engine

[@tykellerman6384]

ZippoVarga your so right I’ve had 2 trucks with the 4.3 both over 450000 km still going when I sold them

[@staresce]

When you mention a 4.3 engine are you talking about a Chevy S-10 or GMC Sonoma?

[@mcnielentertainment]

I really loved my 05 Pontiac GP Base & 07 Pontiac GP GT. Miss owning these badass looking and mechanically sound rides.

[@gatman18]

That car is very reliable. My Automotive Technology teacher said the same thing. Those engines are bulletproof💯

[@jeffreyfitzgerald8541]

I have to agree on the Pontiac Grand Prix. I had one for several years (until it was totaled in an accident), and it was probably the most reliable car I ever owned

[@BrockOBauma]

"If you don't buy this car you're stupide." Or "Pontiac changed the game with this car."

[@eaterofclams]

stupide?

[@DIYDaveOK]

I had a 2004 LeSabre with that engine and 175000 mi... Sold it last year. Great engine.

[@denvernn]

Well done. All excellent points.

[@Not_Sure_]

Great video. Very true about the 3800 series 2 and 3 Timing chain is good for about 300,000

[@shannonwittman950]

I understand this video and agree. GM had a real gem with the naturally aspirated V-6's in their cars. My Dad drove an Olds Cutlass with a V-6, purchased used, and he always got over 30mpg on the freeway. Peppy performance, too. He pulled a small U-Haul trailer to my final years of college in another state, got freeway 27mpg.

[@maiantears9368]

2005 lacrosse here. 350k miles and still drives like a champion. Video is highly accurate! My only issues are electrical. I still get 30mpg highway.

[@aca2983]

I really like the Buick Lucerne with the Series 3. It's basically a full-sized Cadillac with a V-6.

[@grungeman2745]

My 2005 grand prix still had the plastic coolant elbows that cracked and leaked. I replaced them with the aluminum ones but one of the o-rings started leaking so I'm going to put the ac delco o-rings on them. Also the heater core in these cars are very hard to replace. Still runs strong at 220k miles though.

[@squalewally7297]

Buy used and reliable...a recipe for great savings

[@slowbastardo9101]

You can say the same for women 😂😂😂

[@theroyalcrownedtiger2946]

You got the Wal Mart type women. Theres the Abercrombie and Fitch, Guess, type of women. Also there is the Marciano type of women. Finally you there is also the Prada, Gucci, Chanel, type women.

[@tatialo37]

Used reliable cheap? Honda!

[@zerkfn8501]

Totally smart move

[@kman-mi7su]

Yep, the last new car I bought was back in 1994, New cars are a rip-off. I have bought a couple of used Toyotas, a used Honda, and a used Ford F-250 pickup since then.

[@uncommonsense5876]

Fuel pressure regulators sometimes go bad on those 3.8 and leak fuel into plastic intake, on restart the top of engines blow off. Lol.. Probably find videos on KZbin.

[@Blue-moon12]

The 3800 series are bullet proof. Had an 1990 Toronado with one and it never let me down.

[@nicholasdagostino2127]

Have a '97 Pontiac Grand Am GT with a 3.1L, with 235k miles on it. Still runs like a top, use it as my daily driver. Bought back in '04 with 70k miles on it, for $3500, one of the most reliable cars I ever owned. Only major engine or transmission work was a lower intake manifold gasket a couple years ago.

[@danielsimpson8929]

These days when I see a grand prix it's close to 100% that the suspension is shot. That or they're hauling 600 lbs of avocado in the trunk.

[@markm0000]

Well I mean if you’re buying one of these cars you better have some money to fix them.

[@danielsimpson8929]

@@markm0000 for sure. Maybe more to the point is that it seems of the era 94-07 the Pontiac grande prix and alike cars have a suspension that goes far softer when worn when compared to let's say a crown Vic or alike of the same era. He hadn't mentioned the suspension so I thought I'd add it. I also live in an era where you don't need to have inspections done which might be why people seemingly get away with a lack of suspension up keep.

[@bryanelliott1928]

That's too funny 😂🤣

[@jlj547]

Your right on the money on that one, when i worked at a shop we were constantly replacing suspension components on these cars and dont forget the electrical issues with these cars.

[@ShlomoZOGelstein]

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

[@mrhombregordo9556]

I got a 05 Lesabre and the 3800 series 2 is one solid engine❤💯👑

[@tedenderpalmer6550]

That 3.8L is a great engine, one the 3.8 replace at 190k miles, guide tensions wear if it hasn't had synthetic oil and regular oil changes.

[@chris092283]

Just bought my son his 1st car, a 2006 grand prix. Glad I found this video.

[@davidzwart7186]

Loved my 3800 Buick big roomy and awesome mileage

[@kidd1072]

I had a Pontiac Bonneville with a 3.8 engine, I pleasantly surprised by the speed and power, but spent almost$2000 in getting the transmission rebuilt.

[@Modeltnick]

I’m a car guy and enjoy hearing these reviews. Lots of good information!

[@mikewinn1484]

Always great to see you.

[@unclebs4732]

In Michigan a 2005 Grand Prix is soooooo rusty it is unsafe to drive. Pull the 3.8 and put it in a newer car with a bad engine, you know, the 3.6 v-6. Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@trailtreats]

I had a few Buick Regal 3800's over the years and never had any engine issues ever. Transmissions, and power windows were another story. They were all supercharged and modded and driven hard so maybe you can excuse the transmissions. The 3800 NA series 2 had some intake manifold cracking issues, but that's about all I ever heard being a problem on series 2 engines. They all did fine by me.

[@jamesmachalik9924]

Current Grand Prix owner with ls4 v8. Very reliable with 303 hp.

[@TheGrandArchitectofRa]

Ls4 gang babbbbbyyyyy

[@CruisinComPTon]

Only if you get rid of the AFM/ DOD, but there's little you can do about the transmission unless you hit the jackpot and have the only one that works

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

I've got a rear/4wd, non-afm version of that 5.3 in my GMC Envoy. Also very reliable, but with 365HP😁. It started @ 290hp, but it's an 'LS' so I did the right thing and modified it a li'l bit. Gots to do the right thing!

[@elliswalters6815]

best automotive channel, keep the videos coming

[@neilquinn]

First car I bought myself was a 1998 Grand Prix GT with the 3800 II engine. Bought it specifically because of the known reliability for that engine even then!

[@ecmjr]

LOL!!! I was just waiting for you to mention about the look of the car :) Good Video!!!

[@johnford8369]

My dad scrapped our '98 Park Avenue after it started spewing out white smoke and the mechanic said the head gasket was blown. In hindsight maybe it was just the lower intake...

[@electric8668]

Excellent analysis

[@rosemunn6918]

Thank you, I can't afford a Camry, this is aa wonderful alternative. Your videos are the BEST and you too. Thanks!!!!

[@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176]

If you want another take on the same engine the car Wizard talks about how cheap the parts are. Rachets also talked about the infamous oil problems with certain 4 cylinder Toyota engines (2AZ-FE) including a Camry: www.cars.com/articles/2007-2013-toyota-oil-issue-1420690185925/. I am a Toyota fan but that engine was not nearly as good as the 3800 gm.

[@rosemunn6918]

@@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176 Thanks, I was looking at Toyota Camry, but think I will switch to 3800 Series III, is there a best year for these engines and do they come in other models like Chev or Buick. I will have to do some research since I don't understand everything he said, like naturally asperated, I have to figure out how to identify the vehicles and years that have this. I'm looking at one right now, a 2004 GP with low miles, a Grammas car. Cant tell if the engine is a series 3, and they don't know, it's a decent price and oiled underside each year. I will do my research, thanks,

[@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176]

@@rosemunn6918 The 4T65E transmission was improved from 2003 on. So always get a trusted mechanic to inspect a used car before you buy it (you probably knew that). I will be biased. Buicks are usually bought by older, mellower drivers than the other GM's. If you want to ask mechanics with experience go to the 3800 Pro forum and ask. It's free. Jake is Mr. Goodwrench and has super advice. Good luck!

[@rosemunn6918]

@@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176 I just joined, I'm not good on computers so how do I post a question, what page etc do I go to. Thanks,

[@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176]

@@rosemunn6918 After you log in. Pick a topic . You can pick something specific or like general Tech going down the page. Just for fun pick general tech. After you use your mouse to click General Tech go up to the left hand corner and click Start discussion. A box on the page will appear and type in your question. When done mouse click "post thread". My suggestion in your case would be to ask something on the order of what problems should I look for buying this make model year of your 3800 engine equipped car. On Chrisfix channel he has a page you can print out that reminds us what to look for when buying a used car. Hope this helps.

[@UncleSarkis]

Car wizard always talks about these engines.

[@knurlgnar24]

That's because GM used to make things worth owning. Today? Run far, far away.

[@Pack.Leader]

Grand Prix's are great! I had a 1998 Grand Prix GTP with Super charged engine. Bought it when it was 2 years old and drove it all over the Country until I sold it in 2016. Great car. Could even drive through deep snow and not get stuck.

[@dar3726]

We had the same engine in Australia in our Commodores. And they are super reliable, and very good on petrol too. So have to agree with you 100%

[@ericvervalin4131]

I own a 01 Regal GS with the supercharger. Apart from my car being neglected from the previous owner, I put about 500 worth of parts in it and haven’t had an issue since. Love this car it’s been the best winter beater I’ve owned

[@pushhard2]

How long have you had it if you still have it?

[@philindeblanc]

And the hits just keep on coming....Well done!

[@mattbrown429]

My Holden commodore Ute has one of these v6 engines 400000 km still good driving it daily

[@Hoserfishing]

Timing chains on a GM 3.6L wear out due to lack of lubrication. I have worked on quite a few and GM garages have someone doing them full time they are so common.

[@Raptor50aus]

My 05 Camry V6 still running excellent !!

[@bryanaguilar3061]

I agree! I had a 2000 grand prix series 2 and it was pretty good.

[@DIYinCA]

I feel exactly the same way. I worked for Cadillac dealerships from 1986 to 1996 and always wondered why they didn't offer the bulletproof 3.8L v6 instead of that boat anchor they called HT4100...

[@jimmysapien9961]

$$$$ profits

[@knurlgnar24]

The 3800 as we know it didn't come out until 1989. The 1988 model years had trouble and they weren't sure how things would go over time until 1990 or so. That's part of it for sure. Also GM wanted a higher displacement engine in Cadillacs for marketing reasons. The engine you mention was garbage for sure, but I actually think they had valid reasons. And then the Northstar came out and there was no reason to use the 2800 and, goddam, that was a great engine according to car magazines! Until people figured out it too had major troubles. By then it was too late.

[@anthonydefr]

Most parts for these car's are cheaper then most and pretty easy to get. I have a 04 Impala SS that I've had for 7 year's now. It only has about 148000. I've been pretty happy with it. There is a large group of people that love these car's with these engine's.

[@daledavies2334]

My 86 Toronado had the nylon tooth cam gear that failed at a stop light. Got it towed home and changed the timing set in front of the house. Installed an iron tooth cam gear timing set. Other than that I had no troubles. Great fuel economy.

[@alexklein455]

I have a 2005 Impala SS with the supercharged 3.8. 200,000 miles and still flies like when new. Amazing power, comfort, and reliability. Only paid $1000 for it with 150k. Only needed brakes so far. The supercharged 3800 Series 2 came with an aluminum intake instead of plastic.

[@Fryzss]

I had a 2003 Buick Regal with 3.8 and got a 32mpg on the road. No rattles only repair was a plastic elbow in the heater hose area.

[@badmonks]

Just bought my mother-in-law's 2000 Buick LeSabre with a low mileage 3.8L 3800 series motor. Yes, it's a grandpa mobile but it runs nice and smooth, really good pickup for a big four-door sedan and the exterior/interior does not look 20 years old. It's kind of the reserve car used as a back up to the 2006 PT Cruiser which is 140,000 miles with the original (still strong) motor and trans. I feel like both these cars may outlive me at this point.

[@samsung5181]

Yup, "car wizard" also said these 3.8 v6 were one of the best. 👍

[@311jbknight]

Great video. Love Pontiac and Olds and owned many. Never had problems on them. Now the dodges I owned sucked for repairs

[@Rajiihammr]

I had a '99 Olds Delta 88 series II which hydro-locked on me in 2011 (no damage) and I repaired it for just $200 in parts and drove another 60k. I preventatively did the same repair, in 2011, on my Father's 96 Delta 88. On his passing 3 years ago I inherited the car and it runs like a champ and gets 29.5 mpg cruising at 75+ mph. The 3800 series II or III are the best engines ever, of course GM needed to kill'em. Personally I think the Grand Prix looks like a "girl car". I won't click on Scotty K click bait.

[@davidfleming7455]

I had a 94 Bonneville. Very reliable Had the 3800 engine.

[@michaelg4778]

I was with you till you said the Grand Prix is ugly. We had a 98' Grand Prix GTP and loved it!! The only problem and the reason we got rid of it was my wife decided to have twins. Can't fit 2 adults and 4 kids so, we traded for a mini van 🤢

[@Viper81766]

Quadruples

[@michaelg4778]

@@Viper81766 4 kids total. The youngest are twins. I made an appointment with a Doctor after my wife told me "It's Twins!" lol

[@Viper81766]

@@michaelg4778 I hear ya :-) I thought you may have had two sets of twins . I agree the GP was a good looking ride .

[@jeladsnikpoh1289]

Yeah, your generation was a good looking car, but he wasn't lying when he said the last gen Grand Prix was ugly! Have you not seen the 2004+ nose and butt!? Designed by the jerk who brought us the Aztec, I swear he was commissioned to put Pontiac in the grave!

[@michaelg4778]

@@jeladsnikpoh1289 The 2004+ was definitely not as good looking as the previous generation but still not too bad. I think I am in the minority because I like the Aztec! It is SO ugly that it has a special charm that makes me like it.

[@edjackson4389]

I've had a couple of Grand Ams run way past 300k miles with the smaller GM 3.1 V6. Intake gaskets and rubber hoses were all it took to get there.

[@aaron7671]

Those smaller v6s are underrated. Very reliable motors

[@FanatikBuilds]

Let's not forget you can also find the Grand Prix and its sister cars with the 5.3l LS4 V8 with 303hp and 323lb/ft of torque! It's the cheapest all aluminum LS you can get and we're swapping one into our project! 👍

[@ziphdelosreyes]

Scotty kilmer be like "endless money pits"

[@sezwo5774]

Yeah, what is a great engine worth in an otherwise unreliable piece of machinery. Not much.

[@MrKleo21]

Well according to Scotty anything other than a Toyota, or a Honda with a manual transmission, is a piece of junk anyway...

[@neilparmar5705]

Yes he would

[@japnikki]

Very afraid of buying a GM product, I had a nightmare with my 2000 Malibu after the warranty ended at 40k miles, poor brakes and electric issues. I found Toyota in 2004 got rid of the Chevy for a Camry SE 4 cycle, had it for 14 years and had 312k miles on it, no issues only tires, brakes and regular mail NO ISSUES! Just Purchased 2018 Camry XSE V6 I love it!

[@r4v3nous31]

Every single GM vehicle me, friends, family have had the AC has gone out. The electrical problems are super annoying too, such as door locks not working. It's really embarrassing when you have to open a car from the passenger side everytime. I've had one Toyota and after 13 years I still can't find a reason to get rid of it

[@charliejones7574]

I DO love the 3.1 and 3.8. Early 90's late 80's that gave me SO MANY uninterrupted miles....because I believe in preventative maintainence

[@MattPSU02]

I had a series I 3800 in my 91 Olds 88. That car was bulletproof, except for the ignition module and crappy alternators. Too bad a kid stole it, fled from the Philly cops, and hit a pole with it.

[@potterg04]

Great video and my brother-in-law owns a grand prix and he loves it 😀

[@beyourself5471]

I have a 2004 and it's awesome. I have 197,000 miles on it.

[@Dfygy]

Goat is back

[@JS-gt5bh]

Change the oil and filter every 5000 miles, change the coolant every 2 years...change the transmission fluid before 100,000 miles. Change the gas filter every 30000 miles and keep the air filter clean. Change plugs and wires at 80000 miles. Do these things are most any car will last for years😊 Especially GM vehicles!

[@mrnovacan2158]

My brother bought a 2006 Buick 3.8 v6 ,it was 2 years old at the time,6 months later the transmission died. The good deal turned sour quick for him.

[@zerkfn8501]

Thank you bro for the invite and information

[@joejohnson3441]

The Grand Prix was a great car, a reliable car, but it had lots of problems with power steering leaks. Never owned one myself but a friend of mine was always complaining about her power steering!